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The quintessential image of Christchurch is that of a punt on the peaceful Avon River. We saw many such punts like the one below and eventually went punting ourselves:
Hiring a punt includes the services of the fellow who poles the boat along the shallow Avon River. We were never sure, though, whether the riders “go punting” or were “punted” --- just exactly who is the punter and who the puntee --- but, regardless, it is an enjoyable experience.
At the heart of the city is Christchurch Cathedral opened in 1881:
Cathedral Square, in front of the church, is a popular gathering spot and the scene of many civic affairs:
The can’t-be-missed Metal Chalice sculpture celebrates the millennium and has no religious significance.
Providing a respite for the weary walker, colorful trams loop the downtown area:
Another way to get around without a car is to rent a bike. In fact, we signed up for a “Bike Tour”, our first-ever guided tour by bicycle:
Christchurch is fairly flat so biking is easy. Part of our ride was along the Avon through Hagley Park:
We checked out the action at the Antigua Boat Sheds where canoes, kayaks and paddle boats can be rented:
Our route took us to Riccarton Bush for a short walk through a piece of virgin New Zealand bush land. Nearby, we explored Dean’s Cottage, a pioneer home --- vintage 1850 --- and were dwarfed by some very large trees:
Biking through Mona Vale, a beautiful estate, we had good views of some of the most expensive homes in Christchurch:
We returned to the city and near the end of our ride rolled down New Regent Street, full of pastel-colored Spanish mission-style architecture:
Christchurch has a handsome Art Gallery, a metal-and-glass structure completed in 2003:
Although housed in an older building, the Canterbury Museum is well done. Inside, Patty couldn’t resist taking a spin on this old two-wheeler:
It was refreshing to see DO TOUCH signs on exhibits. We found the many displays on Antarctic exploration most informative --- not surprising since Christchurch is a staging area for such activity. The museum’s nature dioramas are also quite attractive:
After returning to Mona Vale on our own for a leisurely lunch, we finally got “punted”. Here’s the view at duck-level:
Down on the water some of the residents of these expensive properties didn’t seem to mind our stares at all:
Following this 3-day walkabout of Christchurch, we returned to the area two weeks later by car after driving across the island, all the way down the west coast and back up the east coast. Our stay this time was in Lyttelton, just 7 miles southeast of Christchurch, and easily reached by a tunnel through the Port Hills:
This usually quiet town is the nearest port for Christchurch. In summertime cruise ships are a common sight in Lyttelton. Our B&B had a superb view of the harbor, looking across to the Banks Peninsula:
On the far side of this volcanically formed peninsula lies Akaroa with its own excellent harbor.
Though not a short or easy trip, this little town is a favorite weekend destination for residents of Christchurch. French settlers landed here just after the Treaty of Waitangi was signed between Britain and the Maori tribes in 1840. Had the settlers arrived just two years earlier, the South Island might well have had a French colony. The French influence is still apparent in Akaroa’s street names.